Health officials across the country are urging people to stay cautious about the measles as they travel this summer.

The New Jersey Department of Health warned residents last month about several potential measles exposure incidents – including at the Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium and at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Officials say that measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads easily through coughing or sneezing.

As cases continue to rise throughout the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of potential exposures during summer travel.

"I think there are a number of viral infections that we need to be concerned about when traveling or just in the summertime,” says Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Kuritzkes says the best protection against the illness is vaccination.

The CDC says that the virus can live for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces. The agency says that an infected person can spread measles up to four days before and four days after the rash starts.

The vaccine is usually given to children in two doses – one typically between 12 and 15 months and the other one when the child is between 4 and 6 years old.

Health officials also say that adults who haven't been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination history should also consider the vaccine.

“In some circumstances, it might be appropriate for infants to get immunized, even if they're younger than 15 months,” Kuritzkes says.

He says that other health concerns while traveling include norovirus and COVID-19.

Kuritzkes says hand hygiene can help protect against illness and advises those with underlying medical conditions to get a COVID booster if they plan on being in crowded situations.